Sleep Apnea Treatment

If you frequently snore or often suffer from morning headaches, you may have sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that requires proper treatment to avoid serious health problems. Dr. Elizabeth Miller is concerned with your oral and overall health, and she is now certified to provide treatment for sleep apnea in Milwaukie, Oregon, with SomnoMed® custom-made oral appliances!

SomnoMed® is a great alternative to CPAP therapy for sleep apnea. This appliance is a custom-made mouth guard that will move and hold your lower jaw in a comfortable position while your sleep. This relaxes the muscles in the back of your throat and will prevent your tongue from blocking your airway.

91% of patients reported improvement in sleep quality while wearing the appliance

To learn more about the treatments we offer at Smiles Dental, please contact our dentist and team today.

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder marked by interruptions and pauses in breathing during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea is caused by obstructions in the airway, such as the tongue rolling back in the throat or collapsed tissues in the airway. Untreated sleep apnea can contribute to several serious health conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and liver problems.

Sleep apnea must be diagnosed by a sleep physician. We recommend that you talk to your dentist, as well as your doctor, if you suffer from the symptoms of sleep apnea. Common signs of sleep apnea include:

Extreme drowsiness during the day

Personality changes and irritability

Difficulty staying asleep

Snoring

Awakening with a very dry or sore throat

Frequent morning headaches

Sleep apnea treatment may depend on the severity of the condition. If you suffer from mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, our dentist may recommend an oral appliance. The oral appliance works to treat obstructive sleep apnea by fitting over your teeth and keeping your airway open while you sleep. It can work by preventing the tongue from blocking the air passage or by holding your jaw in a position that prevents airway blockages during sleep. For more information on sleep apnea treatment, we welcome you to call or visit our dental practice today. We are committed to helping you improve your health!